South Africa Holidays

Both Illona and Bridget were born in South Africa and have travelled around the country from an early age. Illona qualified as a safari guide and worked in various lodges before joining Steppes in 2000 and has since returned on many occasions with her children. Bridget similarly has 16 years travel experience. We are lucky to have such a team.

Why we like South Africa

There are few countries in the world that offer the same level of diversity of holidays as South Africa. Bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, its scenery is dramatic. Sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, lush vineyards, the arid Kalahari and of course the multitude of landscapes found in the bush in excellent wildlife-packed National Parks. Although vast in size, getting around is quick and easy, making a combination of the county’s highlights possible and rewarding.

What to expect on your SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAY

Being the most developed country on the African continent, the choice of things to do is endless and deciding exactly what to do can be tricky. A starting point may include a visit to the beautiful city of Cape Town, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, exploring the gastronomic delights of the Winelands, self-driving the scenic stretch of Garden Route coastline or enjoying a classic wildlife safari in one of the “Big Five” private reserves bordering the Kruger National Park. For those wanting to get off track, we recommend the sleepy Western Cape coast and KwaZulu Natal which is packed with Zulu war history, and where it’s possible to hike in the Drakensberg Mountains and explore lovely Indian Ocean beaches.

Ideas for your South Africa holiday

Explore chic and cosmopolitan Cape Town, a buzzing city dominated by Table Mountain

Go in search of the Big 5 on safari in the Kruger National Park, or malaria-free Eastern Cape or Madikwe

Self-drive along the scenic coastal Garden Route, stopping along the way at places like Plettenberg Bay

Take a wine tasting tour of the Cape Winelands, by foot, bicycle or on horseback

Witness some of the best whale watching in the world off the Hermanus coast

Spend time in the KwaZulu Battlefields listening to moving tales of the Battles of Rorkes Drift and Isandlwana

Rent a private, fully staffed house on the beach on in the bush for a family treat

Can
I charge my camera/phone on safari?

Almost
all safari lodges in South Africa have either a generator or solar power. This
will provide electricity to the camp, but you may not have plug points in your
room. There will be somewhere that you can charge your camera or phone but this
maybe in the managers office.

How long are the flights to South Africa?

South
African Airways, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer the most direct to South Africa, London to Johannesburg is around 11 1/2 hours and London to Cape Town 12 hours.

What should I take on safari?

Cotton
layers such as t-shirts, a light fleece, shorts and a pair of long trousers are
the key items. The temperature can vary quite a bit from the early morning game
drive to the heat of the day. Sun screen, a hat and a swimming costume are the
other necessities. It is best to avoid bright colours for a safari. Footwear
should include a pair of sandals or flip flops and some walking shoes (trainers
would be fine).

WHEN TO GO- South Africa

Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate and is warmer than some areas further north. The winter months are mild and changeable, this is also the time when most the rainfall occurs. The Durban and Kwa-Zulu-Natal coastline is affected by the warm Mozambique current and enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, but the summer months can become very hot and humid.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- South Africa

Can
I charge my camera/phone on safari?

Almost
all safari lodges in South Africa have either a generator or solar power. This
will provide electricity to the camp, but you may not have plug points in your
room. There will be somewhere that you can charge your camera or phone but this
maybe in the managers office.

How long are the flights to South Africa?

South
African Airways, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer the most direct to South Africa, London to Johannesburg is around 11 1/2 hours and London to Cape Town 12 hours.

What should I take on safari?

Cotton
layers such as t-shirts, a light fleece, shorts and a pair of long trousers are
the key items. The temperature can vary quite a bit from the early morning game
drive to the heat of the day. Sun screen, a hat and a swimming costume are the
other necessities. It is best to avoid bright colours for a safari. Footwear
should include a pair of sandals or flip flops and some walking shoes (trainers
would be fine).